Doctor insights on:
Treatment For Pityriasis Alba

1

Pityriasis alba is…:
… a self-limiting skin condition seen in children & teens & requires only time & skin moisturizers to resolve. If itching occurs, otc Hydrocortisone cream can provide relief (use only a tiny dab to treat an area; too much steroid on skin can cause problems).
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4

Pityriasis alba is…:
… a self-limiting skin condition seen in children & teens & requires only time & skin moisturizers to resolve. If itching occurs, otc Hydrocortisone cream can provide relief (use only a tiny dab to treat an area; too much steroid on skin can cause problems). If getting worse, see dermatologist for exam; may not be pityriasis.
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5

Pityriasis alba:
Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder in children and young adults, characterized by ill-defined, scaly, faintly pink or red patches. These areas eventually subside, leaving hypopigmented (whitish) areas that slowly return to normal skin color.
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6

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7

Pityriasis alba:
Pityriasis alba is a type of eczema that presents as lighter-than-skin-color patches on face & arms. It is more apparent in the summer because it doesn't tan when normal skin does. In the short term, the best thing to do is to apply a good broad-spectrum sunscreen so that your normal skin doesn't tan either. Also there are topical nonsteroid treatments. Steroids can lighten p. Alba even more.
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8

Pityriasis Alba:
If the diagnosis is correct, pityriasis alba is nothing more than decrease skin pigment from skin irritation. I would recommend the use of Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream, a prescription, to treat your pityriasis alba as this medication helps reduce irritation.
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9

Time and spf:
Take good care of your skin, protect it from the sun, and use the medication prescribed and usually within a couple of months the skin should return to normal coloration. If not seek the advice of a board certified dermatologist in your area.
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10

Scale:
Pityriasis alba is usually scaly and hypopigmented. Vitiiligo is not scaly and hypopigmented. However, mycosis fungoides can be hypopigmented and scaly. Sometimes a biopsy is necessary to distinguih.
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11

See a dermatologist:
While this problem is usually a nuisance, sometimes it can be very noticeable and distressing. There are some treatments that can help control this problem. I would check with a dermatologist.
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12

See below:
Treatment for this is generally use of mild topical steroids and frequent moisturizers to the areas to possibly accelerate the repigmentation process. Moisturizing very well during the winter months may help prevent summer recurrence.
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13

Pityriasis rosea:
Pityriasis rosea usually lasts 4to12 weeks before clearing spontaneously, although sometimes it can last up to 4 to 6 months. Usually treatment is not needed, although ultraviolet b light administered by a dermatologist can hasten resolution.
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14

A Virus:
P rosea is probably caused by a virus (some suggest human herpes virus 7) but does not seem to transmit from one person to another like other viruses. It is somewhat seasonal--more common in the spring ; autumn. Rest, mild cortisone cream for rash--uv light ; sunshine help rash go away more quickly.
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15

Time:
Treatments for pityriasis rosea (pr) can help ease symptoms or shorten the duration. For example steroids creams & ointments can help ease itching and decrease redness. Itching can also be reduced with the use of antihistamines. The duration of pr may also be shortened by one to two weeks by taking antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (zovirax). However, pr usually resolves on its own (2-4 wks).
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17

Resolves with time:
Pityriasis rosea is usually self-limited, clearly in most cases in 6-8 weeks. There is no treatment that speeds clearance. However medicines may be prescribed to reduce itching in those who have significant itching. You can find more information at http://www. Aad. Org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/pityriasis-rosea/diagnosis-treatment/pityriasis-rosea-diagnosis-treatment-and-outcome.
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19

Time:
It can take up to six weeks for the rash to resolve. It rarely recurs, does not scar and does not lead to anything else. An anti-itch bland lotion can help (e.g. Sarna). If you have a rash on your hands/feet, see your doctor because syphilis can be mistaken for pityriasis. Untreated, secondary syphilis can go underground, appear to resolve and cause much worse trouble.
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20

No:
Pr is felt to represent a viral process that created antibodies to an infection that preceded the rash by weeks & ends up creating the skin rash that self heals but may last weeks to months. P.Versicolor is caused by a specific skin fungus called malassezia furfur & is treated by using specific meds.
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21

Pityriasis lichenoid:
It is difficult to treat but I have had some caucasian patients that have responded to phototherapy for this condition. Since black skin contains a spf of about 12 the dose of the light would need to be adjusted. It is a relatively benign treatment so it is worth a trial.
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22

Yes, yes, yes:
Treatment for pityriasis rosea is generally aimed at the symptom of itching. Topical steroids and oral ant-itch meds are usually enough. Sometimes systemic steroids, like prednisone, or ultraviolet light treatments are needed if itching doesn't resolve. Okay to swim, okay to play tennis. Sweating could make itching worse, if it's already a problem.
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23

Both, but:
Both have similar effects and wavelengths of light that can be useful. However, it's a bit more difficult to control the harmful effects and 'dose' of sunlight. Also, if you have a week of rainy days, you interrupt your therapy. While one or two days without treatment may not be a big deal, the best way to treat is a consistent schedule, which would be available with phototherapy.
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27

See dermatologist.:
Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare disorder and usually mistaken for psoriasis, the treatment depends on the presentation. It can occur as circumscribed juvenile form or the adult classic form. The adult form often disappears after 3 years but the circumscribed juvenile form lasts for life. Emollients and Hydrocortisone ointments help with the cracking and dryness. Methotrexate helps.
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30

Best to do nothing:
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a yeast that is usually in/on the skin. Therefore, it isn't harmful to you or your baby. All the prescription medications for this can't be used while pregnant or have not been studied for pregnancy. A nice home remedy that may work is washing with baking soda and then applying apple cider vinager. I hope this helps.
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33

No!:
Pityriasis rosea, is a skin condition, with no known cause. It causes redness, patches, and sometimes itching but no pain. Your bumps are due to something else, maybe the stuff you are putting on it. Also fragrances, harsh soaps, hot water, overscrubbing and aerosols are skin irritants. Stop these. See doc. See http://tinyurl. Com/qbguxtp
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34

Pityriasis Rosea:
This is not a dangerous skin condition and a lot of times, it is asymptomatic. However, it can be itchy and you can treat it with steroid creams. It will usually clear on its own in 4-6 weeks.
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35

Pityriasis rosea:
Pityriasis rosea (pr) is an acute, self-limited, exanthematous skin disease characterized by the appearance of slightly inflammatory, oval, papulosquamous lesions on the trunk and proximal areas of the extremities. The possibilities for having a viral etiology has been discussed.
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37

Time:
Treatments for pityriasis rosea (pr) can help ease symptoms or shorten the duration. For example steroids creams & ointments can help ease itching and decrease redness. Itching can also be reduced with the use of antihistamines. The duration of pr may also be shortened by one to two weeks by taking antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (zovirax). However, pr usually resolves on its own (2-4 wks).
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39

Need more info:
There are many types of pityriasis: alba, rubra, rosea, versicolor, lichenoides; some caused by skin fungus, others possibly virus, others unknown. Most should not prevent surgery (depending on what surgery is to be done). Ask surgeon if your skin condition poses any problems for the proposed surgery.
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40

Unknown:
Fortunately this problem usually resolves on its own. It is not known why it occurs but there seems to be a relationship with a prior viral illness. As to why there is not more research... My guess would be that since this usually resolves on its own it has not received the attention other problems have.
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